Adapalene (Non-prescription)
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Adapalene is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in...

Adapalene is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in the skin.

Non-prescription adapalene is available only in 0.1% strength.

Adapalene is topically applied usually once a day before going to bed to all acne-affected areas of the skin, and not just on individual pimples themselves.

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July 30, 2007

Pros:

Healthier Skin, Smooth, Acne Clearing Fast - I am truly amazed!

Cons:

cost - my health insurance would not cover it

I have come to realize everyone's acne is different and different meds work for different people - I have tried everything...antibiotics, accutane, retin A...you name it. Differin, almost immediately, showed results - my skin has never looked better and I am totally shocked. I was expecting another "okay" medication with limited results. I am in my 30's and if you suffer from adult acne (I had great skin as a teenager)...give differin a try! I have had ZERO side effects...not so with the other meds I have taken over the years.
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July 23, 2007

Pros:

Makes skin feel good, sometimes calms acne overnight. Doesn't dry out skin (if your skin isn't too sensitive).

Cons:

Takes so long to work (2.5 months).

It's alright. When used in conjunction with something else (like Duac) it does a good enough job.
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July 23, 2007

Pros:

I no longer have the deep, painful pimples. I no longer get breakouts on my forehead or around my jawline. I don't get big whiteheads. My skin feels tighter and stronger.

Cons:

Severe breakouts and extreme drying and flaking for up to 3 months when you FIRST start, especially if you have sensitive skin.

IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT AT FIRST, DON'T GIVE UP! The product changes your skin and builds a new outer layer over time. Doctors say it takes a few weeks but it really may take a few months. After 6 months, my skin was nearly acne-free, with the exception of a few monthly PMS-related breakouts. Ask your dermatologist for an oil-free moisturizer that has antibacterial properties, like Metro Lotion.
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July 21, 2007

Pros:

decreases inflammation, less oily skin

Cons:

but skin can get very dry, and photo-sensitive

Worth it, when used in conjuction with BP [5%][after the Adapalene is washed clean, of course] and Salicylic wash [2%]. It's better than when I was using Retin-A, because of the anti-inflammatory qualities. I store my tube in the fridge - very nice to get two cooling effect at one go.
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July 20, 2007

Pros:

less inflammed, pimples go away sooner. slight improvement in number of zits

Cons:

dried me out a little at first. Broke out for a small while when first started

I've had acne since the seventh grade, currently entering the eleventh. Tried many things and my skin seems to love this stuff so far. I had very inflammed acne..this reduced inflammation alot!
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July 20, 2007

Pros:

this product worked very well for me! after a week my skin was more healthy and very clear. just make sure you use a throughly clean face wash before applying! and make sure you continue doing this everyday to see results!

Cons:

it might dry out your skin a little, depending on your skin. and just like any other acne medication, it may not be right for your situation or your skin.

it cleared up my face very quick and its the only thing that really worked for me.
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July 17, 2007

Pros:

my skin is looking great; blackheads on my nose are going away fast, and the fine lines on my forehead and my "smile lines" are completely smooth.

Cons:

expensive; had to see the dermatologist.

I had awful acne in my teens (now I'm 26) and after discontinuing bcpills, my acne started to flare again. I had a glycolic peel a few weeks back, which really jump-started my "good skin," I think, and with the Differin at night, and a glycolic moisturizer +SPF in the morning, I'm looking unusually clear (though still having those "purging" pimples.
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July 16, 2007

Pros:

My skin seems healthier overall, I've gotten compliments already! It's pretty easy to use and my skin has been clearing up and steadily improving. It Does zap pimples that haven't fully developed if you get to them in time.

Cons:

Extreme Drying, especially during the first two weeks of use. Some redness when I apply too much in one area accidentally. Of course, I had that initial breakout, but it has been improving steadily since then, and no new acne since.

I know it's not for everyone, but I think it is definetely worth a try (especially for those that are thinking of accutane, like I was).
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July 13, 2007

Pros:

Starting to work, gentle, no burning or peeling

Cons:

Dries my skin out a little, made my skin break out.

I've been using the cream version of Differin instead of the gel for about a month now. I've had monthly breakouts for awhile and was sick of it, and my dermatologist recommended this. The cream isn't that harsh, doesn't burn at all, just a little drying. My face, mostly my chin, broke out after a week and has continued up until this week. Now my skin is apparently healing and is actually looking better. I'm optimistic about it and will continue to use it. If you can stand the initial breakouts for using this, then it may be worthwhile for you, since pimples take up to many weeks to actually appear, so the Differin isn't causing the breakouts- it's causing the ones already formed to appear on the surface. It seems to be working for me, so we'll see if it works in the long run.
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July 3, 2007

Pros:

Removes a lot of skin, wich impoves scar treatment and also helps reducing the blackhead, wich were a huge deal for me

Cons:

Leave the skin very very dry, though I think this might be because I'm taking accutane

I recommend it. My skin gets very very dry, it's completely cracking, but it's only in some areas, and I thinks I might have found a way around it. I think I was putting too much product in one area. I'm being more gentle now, and it is improving when it comes to dryness. But it helps with scars, at least with little ones like mines. It clears them very well. Also reduces blackheads, wich were my main problem.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website